About Cannock

Cannock

Cannock is a small town in the Cannock Chase district of Staffordshire. In an ideal position between Stafford and Birmingham, it is popular as a commuter hub, and is easily accessible to visitors. The town has a traditional market and shopping centre, along with art galleries and other entertainment facilities. With plenty of bars and cafes, and a selection of hotels, such as the 18th Century Farmhouse that forms the Barns Hotel, Cannock is also a great base for a holiday or short break. Decide to stay, and you may want to read on and find out some of what Cannock Chase as a district has to offer tourists:

Cannock Chase

Cannock Chase is the name given to a district, and a natural visitor attraction in Staffordshire. First there is the district of Cannock Chase, which includes the historic towns of Cannock, Hednesford, and Rugeley, and then there is Cannock Chase, the ‘green heart of Staffordshire’.

The ‘green heart of Staffordshire’ is also on record as the smallest Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) on the mainland. The landscape of Cannock Chase attracts 1.5 million people each year, many of whom enjoy exploring the area, and making use of the walking routes and cycle paths that run over or near the woodlands, heathland, and valleys. The 26 square miles that make up the Chase are great for wildlife lovers, who may spot herds of fallow deer, the nightjar or woodlark perched on the trees, or lower to the ground, the Cannock Chase Berry. There is important and/or uncommon flora and fauna throughout, such as 600 year old Oaks, which can be found in Brocton Coppice, along with important birch and pine woodlands.

Along with exploring the natural landscapes of this area, you can also find out more about its history, which features the industries of glass making, coal making, mining, and charcoal. It’s also on record, that during World War I and World War II, quite a wide area of Cannock Chase was used by the Army for military training and encampments. These stories and more are told through the exhibits at the Museum Of Cannock Chase in Hednesford, which is open throughout the year. A family friendly attraction, built on the site of a former colliery, the museum has rooms dedicated to the history of the area, along with a Miners Cottage Gallery, and Coal Mining Gallery, complete with mock tunnel. This is one of the main attractions in Hednesford, which also has a variety of parks and open spaces, along with traditional shops, places to eat and drink, and transport links connecting the town to the rest of Cannock Chase.

If you want to use these transport links to travel to the northern part of Cannock Chase, then you will soon come across Rugeley, which has been a market town since the 13th century. A prime example of a bustling market town, there are a variety of market stalls taking over the Market Square 3 days which sell alongside host of major high street retailers, and locally owned and run businesses.

Within or around the towns that make up the Cannock Chase district, you’ll also find pony trekking and fishing facilities, the opportunity to go on a self-guided Staffordshire Treasure Trail, the Go Ape experience at Birches Valley Forest Centre, and the Cannock Chase Heritage Trail. You also have the option to visit Freedom Brewery, Hawkins Falconry, and Chasewater Brewery. There’s plenty to see and do for all the family, so why not pay a visit, stay for a while, and see it all for yourself.